From Skeptic to Believer: My Experience Works Story

I’m gonna be real with you—I didn’t exactly jump into Experience Works with jazz hands and a motivational playlist. Truth is, I was burnt out, feeling like I was invisible in the workforce, and yeah… a little pissed.

See, I spent decades grinding. The kind of grind where you give everything and then some, thinking you’re stacking up enough respect and skill to coast through your later years. Joke was on me. Somewhere around age 55, I started getting “you’re overqualified” rejections. Or worse—radio silence.

That’s when I stumbled across Experience Works. I’ll be honest—it sounded a little too good to be true. A program helping older adults get re-trained and back into the workforce? Like, actually working again? Not some volunteer gig or “maybe next year” placement? I was suspicious. But I had time and just enough hope left to click “Apply.”

What Is Experience Works, Really?

Okay, so here’s the scoop, Experience Works is a nonprofit that focuses on helping low-income folks who are 55 and older get back into the job market. They’ve been around forever (like 50+ years), but they’re not stuck in the past. This isn’t your grandma’s job center bulletin board situation.

They run something called the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Fancy name, yeah, but the concept is simple: they train you while paying you to work part-time at non-profits or public organizations. You build new skills, regain your rhythm, and get actual job experience that’s current.

For someone like me, who hadn’t sent a resume since Windows XP was king, this was huge.

The Application Process (aka The Mental Obstacle Course)

Look—I’m not great with forms. Or online anything. I once tried to reset a password and locked myself out of my email and my bank account in the same afternoon.

But applying to Experience Works? Surprisingly doable. I called the number listed on their site, got a real human on the phone (hallelujah), and they walked me through the process. They weren’t robotic. They weren’t rushing me. They treated me like a human being with value.

I didn’t cry. (Okay, maybe a little.)

They asked about income, work history, stuff like that. Since it’s a government-funded program, you have to meet certain requirements. But if you’re over 55 and looking for a foot back in the door—you’ve got a real shot.

First Assignment: Cue the Imposter Syndrome

They placed me with a local nonprofit library. At first, I felt completely out of my depth. Everything was digital. They had some Gen Z wizard scanning books and running databases like he was born with a barcode reader for a brain.

But here’s what surprised me: they didn’t expect me to know everything. Experience Works gave me on-the-job training while paying me. And not in Monopoly money either—I was actually earning while learning.

Every day I walked in, I felt a little more like me again. Not the washed-up version stuck behind a dial-up internet speed of progress. The real me. The sharp one. The one who used to solve problems and run meetings and get sh*t done.

Confidence Is Contagious (Even Over 50)

I swear, the first time I showed a co-worker how to fix a printer jam before IT showed up, I felt like a superhero. It wasn’t just about getting a paycheck (although that helped with gas and groceries). It was about mattering again.

Experience Works wasn’t just giving me a job—they were giving me permission to stop apologizing for getting older.

There’s this weird thing that happens when you hit a certain age: people stop looking at you like you can. But this program flipped the script. It reminded me that experience isn’t a burden—it’s a freaking asset.

The Best Part? You’re Not Alone

One of the hidden gems of this whole thing is the community. I met folks who had been teachers, small business owners, truck drivers—you name it. And guess what? We were all just trying to find our way back into a world that seemed like it had moved on without us.

We’d swap stories, laugh about how many mouse clicks it took us to open a Google Doc, and cheer each other on when someone got a permanent job offer.

That kind of support? You can’t put a price on it. You just feel it in your chest.

Where Am I Now?

Fast-forward a year and I’m in a full-time position—one that started with an Experience Works placement. I’ve got benefits, purpose, and a morning routine again (coffee counts as a ritual, right?).

But more than that—I’ve got momentum. And if you’re in your 50s, 60s, even 70s and feel stuck, listen to me loud and clear:

You are not done.

The world may try to write you off, but that doesn’t mean you hand them the pen.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try Experience Works?

If you’re sitting there wondering whether to apply, let me ask you this—what have you got to lose? A little time? A little pride?

I lost both plenty of times in the job search before this. But with Experience Works, I gained more than I even knew I needed.

It’s not a magic wand. You won’t wake up employed at Google tomorrow. But it’s real. It’s legit. And for people like us—seasoned, not obsolete—it just might be the bridge you didn’t know existed.

Key Takeaways

• Experience Works helps low-income adults 55+ re-enter the workforce through paid, part-time job training.

• The SCSEP program offers real work experience at nonprofits and public agencies.

• It’s not tech-heavy or overwhelming—you get personal help and support during the application process.

• Confidence and community are some of the most underrated perks.

• It can lead to full-time employment, even if you haven’t worked in years.

Your Next Step

Thinking about applying? Don’t overthink it. Pick up the phone, shoot them an email, whatever you gotta do. No one’s too old to start something new—and if they think you are, they’re just not paying attention.

And if this helped even a little, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Because Experience Works didn’t just get me a job—it gave me back a piece of myself.

And that, my friend, is priceless.

The Gold Rush Ain’t Over—But Is It Worth It?

Alright, so here’s the deal: I’ve been around the block a few times when it comes to investing. I’ve seen booms, busts, bubbles, and more bad advice than a casino pit boss whispering in your ear. And if there’s one asset that always gets folks all hyped up like it’s some kind of financial messiah, it’s gold.

Some say it’s timeless. Others call it a dusty relic. So, I figured I’d spill my thoughts—real thoughts—on whether investing in gold is actually good or just another glittery distraction. No fluff. No sales pitch. Just me, telling you like I’d tell my buddy over a strong cup of espresso and a half-smirk.

Learn more at: Healtheconomics.us

Why People Still Obsess Over Gold (Even in the Age of Crypto)

So picture this—I’m at a dinner party a couple years ago. Small group, nothing fancy, just a bunch of semi-retired sharks and spreadsheet cowboys. One guy—let’s call him Carl—is yammering on about Bitcoin, calling it “digital gold.” You’d think he invented the damn thing. I nod, swirl my wine, and ask him, “Okay, Carl, but what happens when the grid goes down?”

Silence.

Here’s the thing: people still flock to gold because deep down, we know it’s real. You can hold it, stash it, bury it in your backyard if you’re feeling dramatic. No password, no server, no third-party nonsense. It’s been around since Julius Caesar was dodging knives. It’s tangible value. That’s why, even when the markets are losing their collective minds, gold just sits there—quiet, shiny, smug.

My First Time Buying Gold (Spoiler: I Was Clueless)

I’ll never forget the first time I bought gold. I was maybe 27, cocky as hell, thought I was smarter than Warren Buffett. I walked into this little coin shop—felt like stepping into a time machine. Walls lined with slabs of history, everything smelling faintly of leather and old books.

I dropped a couple grand on a handful of bullion coins. Did I know what I was doing? Absolutely not. But man, holding that weight in my hand? It felt different. It wasn’t just numbers on a screen. It was wealth, in a way that my tech stocks never made me feel. Like, if the world fell apart tomorrow, at least I’d have something solid to trade for bread or a generator.

Pros of Investing in Gold (And Yeah, There Are a Few)

Let’s give credit where it’s due. Gold’s not just pretty—it pulls its weight. Here’s where it shines:

• Inflation Hedge: When the dollar starts acting like monopoly money, gold tends to hold its ground. It’s not magic—it’s math.

• Crisis Comfort Blanket: Geopolitical drama, banking meltdowns, pandemics—you name it. When the world wobbles, people run to gold like it’s grandma’s house during a thunderstorm.

• Diversification Power Move: Gold doesn’t move like stocks. It’s like that weird cousin who never follows the family drama. That’s a good thing when you’re trying to spread out risk.

The Ugly Side of Gold (Let’s Not Sugarcoat It)

Now hold up—before you go liquidating your 401(k) for a stack of Krugerrands, you gotta know: gold ain’t perfect.

• It Doesn’t Pay You Back: No dividends, no yield, no love letters. It just sits there, looking pretty. If you want your money to hustle, gold ain’t the MVP.

• Storage Headaches: Unless you’re cool keeping it under your mattress (please don’t), you’ll need a safe or a vault. And those ain’t free.

• It’s Volatile, Baby: Don’t let the “safe haven” label fool you—gold’s had its share of wild rides. I’ve seen it spike, dip, and bounce like a kid on too much soda.

So… Is Gold a Good Investment or a Shiny Distraction?

Here’s the unfiltered answer: it depends.

If you’re looking for quick returns or passive income, gold might leave you feeling cold. But if you want something solid to balance out the madness of stocks, bonds, and crypto memes? Yeah, gold’s got a seat at the table.

Me? I treat gold like I treat my espresso machine. I don’t rely on it to pay the bills, but I’ll never feel right without it in the house. It’s security. It’s legacy. It’s a quiet anchor when the seas get choppy.

What I Tell Friends Who Ask About Gold Investing

People hit me up all the time—“Hey, should I buy gold?” And I always give the same spiel:

• Don’t go all in. Gold should be a piece of your pie, not the whole damn bakery.

• Stick to physical gold if you want real protection. ETFs are cool, but they don’t clink when you drop ‘em.

• Think long-term. Gold’s not about fast wins. It’s about keeping your wealth intact while the world does cartwheels.

Final Thoughts: Gold’s Like a Leather Jacket

Here’s my metaphor for the day: gold is like a well-worn leather jacket. It doesn’t go out of style, it doesn’t try to be trendy, and when the wind picks up, you’ll be glad you’ve got it.

Will it make you rich overnight? Nah. But will it make you feel more secure in an uncertain world? Absolutely.

So if you’re thinking about investing in gold, just remember: you’re not buying hype—you’re buying history. And sometimes, in a world full of noise, that quiet kind of wealth? That’s the loudest statement of all.

The 401(k) Confusion: Been There, Done That
So, picture this.

I’m in my mid-30s, sitting at a beach bar in Oahu, sipping on a cold one, pretending like I had this whole “retirement” thing figured out. I mean, I had a 401(k) with some dusty mutual funds and a vague idea that, one day, I’d ride off into the sunset on a fat pension or whatever.

Spoiler alert: that’s not how any of this works.

It wasn’t until a surf trip with a buddy of mine — who happens to be a low-key financial ninja — that I realized I was basically letting my retirement plan float aimlessly like a leashless board in a rip current. The conversation that changed everything? It started with him casually asking, “You ever actually look at where your 401(k) money’s going?” Cue existential crisis.

Cracking the 401(k) Code (Without Needing a Finance Degree)

Let’s be real. Most people treat their 401(k)s like a black box — money goes in, hope comes out. But once I decided to dig in, I realized this thing could actually be customized. Like, tailored to what I actually believe in and want to invest in.

Here’s the game-changer: your 401(k) isn’t just a savings account. It’s a vehicle. And like any good ride, you can steer it. That’s where stuff like rollovers and self-directed accounts come in. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Here’s the basic roadmap I followed to turn my 401(k) from a snoozefest into a powerful retirement weapon:

Step 1: Understand What You’re Working With

First things first — I logged into my 401(k) account. Just doing that was weirdly enlightening. Like, oh hey, I’ve been auto-investing in something called the “Large Cap Value Fund C” for six years and I never once asked what it was.

Pro tip: most 401(k)s are set up with default funds that sound fancy but are just… meh. Once I started poking around, I saw I had options: more aggressive funds, some ESG options, even real estate exposure.

And if your employer’s plan doesn’t offer much? That’s where the next move comes in.

Step 2: Rolling Over — No, Not Like a Surf Trick

When I left my last job (shoutout to corporate burnout), I had a 401(k) just sitting there doing the financial equivalent of twiddling its thumbs. That’s when I learned about rollovers.

Basically, you can roll over an old 401(k) into an IRA or a self-directed 401(k). I went with a Roth IRA for part of mine, and a self-directed IRA for the rest — more on that spicy move in a second.

No taxes, no penalties — just a little paperwork and boom, my money was mine to steer.

Step 3: Get Strategic, Not Boring

Once the rollover dust settled, it was time to actually invest with intention. I split my strategy into two lanes:

Roth IRA for the long haul – This is post-tax money, which means I won’t owe taxes when I take it out later. Huge win if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement. I stuffed this with broad ETFs, some dividend stocks, and a few picks that I, uh, may or may not have YOLO’d after too many finance podcasts. (No regrets.)

Self-Directed IRA for the spicy stuff – This is where it got fun. With a self-directed account, you can invest in way more than just stocks — think real estate, private equity, heck, even crypto (if you’ve got the stomach for it).

I threw a chunk into a real estate syndicate I believed in, and honestly? Watching those quarterly payouts hit feels like catching clean waves at sunrise. Predictable, steady, satisfying.

Step 4: Keep Showing Up

None of this works if you treat it like a one-and-done move. Retirement investing isn’t a sprint; it’s more like paddling into a headwind. You gotta keep at it. I set a reminder once a quarter to review my allocations, re-balance, and check performance.

It’s also when I ask myself: Is this money doing what I want it to do? Is it aligned with my values? Is it growing the way I hoped?

If not — I tweak it. That’s the freedom of not being stuck in autopilot.

Why This Matters (And Why Most People Miss It)

Here’s the real talk: we’ve been sold this idea that retirement is something that “just happens” if you check the right boxes. But the truth? If you don’t take the wheel, your future self could be seriously bummed.

Using your 401(k) strategically — rolling it over, investing with purpose, and actually knowing what your money’s doing — can literally change your future.

This isn’t about becoming some Wolf of Wall Street. It’s about being the captain of your own board, carving your own line into retirement with confidence and control.

Final Thoughts: You Got This, Seriously

I’m not some finance guru in a suit. I’m a guy who realized that if I could plan a surf trip, I could probably figure out how to manage a 401(k).

And so can you.

Start small. Check your account. Ask questions. Talk to someone who knows more than you. (And buy them a beer while you’re at it.)

Because if you’re gonna work hard for your money, you deserve to make that money work hard for you, too. ‍♂️

 

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Start Investing for Retirement (Real Talk)

I’ll be honest with you—I used to think retirement planning was something you only did once you started wearing socks with sandals unironically. You know, something far off in the distance… like Pluto.

But then, somewhere between watching Jamie O’Brien getting barreled at Pipeline and reading one too many Carl Icahn takedowns in the Wall Street Journal, I realized I was sleeping on one of the most important (and actually kind of badass) parts of adulting: investing for retirement.

This isn’t one of those stiff, “allocate your assets like a robot” kind of posts. This is what I’ve actually learned by fumbling, figuring it out, and finally finding a groove that works. So grab a coffee (or something stronger), and let’s talk about how to invest for retirement in a way that’s smart, not snoozy.

Why Retirement Investing Feels Like Surfing a Set You Didn’t See Coming

Okay, so imagine you’re out in the lineup, just chilling. Conditions look mellow, nothing too spicy—then BOOM, a set rolls in outta nowhere. That’s what life does to your finances if you’re not ready. Retirement might feel like it’s miles away, but when it hits, you want to be paddling with momentum—not getting wiped out.

I didn’t start early. In fact, I started late (late-ish?). But the game changed when I got a grip on these key strategies—stuff that felt manageable, even fun. I realized retirement planning doesn’t have to be all spreadsheets and stock tickers. It can actually reflect your style, your risk tolerance, and your goals (even if one of those goals is just to never eat canned beans every day at 73).

️ 1. Start with a 401(k)… but Don’t Stop There

My first “grown-up” job came with a 401(k), and I treated it like a mystery box. I was putting money in without really knowing where it was going. Kinda like throwing wax on a board without checking the temp.

But here’s the kicker—if your company offers a match, that’s free money. Like, real free. Not “download our app for $5” free. I started contributing just enough to get the full match, and honestly? That’s one of the few times I’ve gotten something for nothing in this life.

Pro Tip: Once you’re in the 401(k) door, look under the hood. If the default fund is some bland target-date thing, you might want to rebalance. Or at least poke around to see if you’re paying ridiculous fees. Fees = silent killers.

2. Open an IRA (Especially a Roth)

When I hit my mid-30s, I opened a Roth IRA and it was like discovering a secret stash spot for your surf wax that no one else knows about.

Why Roth? Because it’s tax-free growth. You pay taxes on the money now, but once it’s in, that growth rides out tax-free. And when you pull it out during retirement? Nada. No tax bite.

It’s honestly a no-brainer if you qualify. Even if you earn too much, there’s the ol’ “backdoor Roth” move, which sounds sketchy but is actually legit. I did it one year when I freelanced like a madman and made more than expected. Uncle Sam didn’t mind. And my future self high-fived me.

3. Real Estate: Not Just for Rich Dudes in Blazers

I used to think real estate was a rich person’s game. Spoiler: it’s not. You don’t need to own a beach house in Malibu to play this game.

I started with a real estate investment trust (REIT) inside my Roth IRA. Basically, it’s like a fund that invests in property—but you don’t have to fix toilets or chase down tenants. It’s hands-off, passive, and surprisingly spicy in a boring portfolio.

Later, I did snag a duplex in a mid-sized city (not saying I’m Mr. Monopoly, but I did learn how to fix a leaky faucet real quick). Renting out half while living in the other helped cut costs and gave me some solid equity over time.

Bottom line: If done right, real estate adds a layer of stability and cash flow that paper investments just can’t touch.

4. The Gold (and Silver) Question

Yep, we’re going there. Gold.

You’d be surprised how many ultra-wealthy folks (like my guy Icahn) keep a slice of their net worth in precious metals. I was skeptical at first, but after reading a few financial meltdowns in history—and seeing inflation munch away at buying power—it started to make sense.

I use a Gold IRA to hold some of this stuff in a tax-advantaged way. Do I think it’ll make me rich? Nah. But I sleep a little better knowing I’m hedging against the dollar doing a nosedive someday.

5. Index Funds: The Lazy Genius Move

If I could go back and high-five younger me, I’d whisper, “just buy the index fund, dude.”

Seriously. Index funds are the silent MVPs of retirement planning. They’re low-fee, low-drama, and basically track the market as a whole. I use a mix of:

S&P 500 funds (classic)

Total stock market funds (more diversified)

International funds (because the world’s a big place, my friend)

If you hate checking your portfolio daily—or just don’t want to become a stock nerd—this is your move. Set it, forget it, and let compounding do its magic.

6. Automate and Chill

This one is less “where” to invest and more “how” to invest. Automating my contributions was like going from paddling into waves to getting towed in. It takes the work out of the process.

I set up automatic transfers into my IRA every month. I don’t have to think about it, and the money gets invested rain or shine. Some months I barely notice it left my account (other months, I totally do… especially after late-night sushi orders).

But the consistency adds up. Big time.

‍ Bonus: Stir in Some Side Hustle Sauce

Not everything has to come from your 9-to-5. I started investing part of my surfboard reselling side hustle (don’t ask) into a brokerage account. That “extra” cash ended up turning into a tidy little cushion.

Moral of the story? Find ways to turn your hobbies or skills into a little side cheddar. Then invest that cheddar. You’ll be shocked what it grows into.

Key Takeaways (No B.S. Version)
Use your 401(k)—especially if your job matches.

Open a Roth IRA—tax-free growth is the truth.

Mix in real estate or REITs—for stability and income.

Consider gold or silver—as a hedge, not a Hail Mary.

Stick with index funds—they’re efficient and proven.

Automate contributions—take the human error out.

Use side hustle income to invest more—it adds up.

Final Word: Don’t Wait for a Sign

If you’re waiting for a big “aha” moment to start planning your retirement investments… this is it. Don’t make it complicated. Just start. Start scrappy, start small, start late—just start.

And remember: You’re not investing just for some future version of yourself who sips tea on a porch. You’re investing so that today-you can live with a little less stress, knowing you’ve got a plan.

Ride the wave. Stay smart. And stash some cash.